A Raspberry Pi is an extensively used, cheap portable
appliance that can be used for a variety of gadgetry purposes. It is known as a
single-board computer i.e. it has a processor, R.A.M, I/O and other features
that a standalone computer requires. Raspberry Pi has gained extreme
popularity in the recent times as a very popular gadgeting tool for the hobbyists, kids and
adults alike. Although the Pi is in itself a vast topic, this article is about
an add-on camera module that was launched a while ago to expand the capabilities
of the Raspberry Pi.

It was noticed a while ago by the
Raspberry Pi community that although the Raspberry Pi has an abundant amount of
support, additional add-ons are needed to help it interface with the outside
world. One key interface module is none other than a camera module. The camera
module has an immense number of application usages in projects for applications
ranging from remote sensing and communication to robotics projects that were
previously were not easily or cost effectively implemented.

The Raspberry Pi
Camera Module is a custom designed add-on for the Pi. It attaches to the Pi by
way of a dedicated interface on the top of the Pi. This interface uses the
dedicated high speed CSI interface, designed especially for interfacing to
cameras. The camera board itself is
tiny, measuring in at around 25mm x 20mm x 9mm. It also weighs just over 3g,
making it perfect for portable applications or projects where space is weight
are important. Its applications
multi-focally revolve around sensory detection and robotics. It connects to
Raspberry Pi by means of a short ribbon cable which is included in the bundle. The sensor itself has a native
resolution of 5 megapixels, and has a fixed focus lens onboard. In terms of
still images, the camera is capable of 2592 x 1944 pixel static images, and
also supports 1080p30, 720p60 and 640x480p60/90 video. The camera is supported
in the latest version of Raspbian, which is the Raspberry Pi's preferred
operating system, thus ensuring compatibility and programmability.

The
camera module assures users unlimited possibilities for numerous projects
ranging from facial recognition, video telephony or even for home automated
robots. In its short existence, the Raspberry Pi has powered games, controls, musical
instruments, and even pyrotechnic stage shows, but with the new camera module
the Raspberry Pi has many additional applications that are just waiting to be
dreamed up and implemented.